Young mad science

"Burn Fire Burn", "Flames and Fabric", "Video Games and Heart Rates"; Erik Dickamore read several fascinating experiment headlines as he wandered through the Dee Events Center. As he wandered through the seemingly endless ring of exhibits lining the center's main hallway he was followed by his younger sister Gretchen and both of his parents.

"He's so interested in science," said his mother, Dyan Dickamore. " So we just thought we'd come and look around."

Dyan and her husband Jason brought their children from their home in Farr West to attend the Science and Engineering Fair of Utah. The fair began Monday evening with the Junior Division of competition. Hundreds of presenters in the category for grades 6 to 8 were judged in the afternoon and their findings were open for public viewing from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Children took on timeless issues in their experiments. In addition to the usual displays on the best way to grow or kill plants, there were several intriguing displays. One was "Bubble Trouble," a demonstration on the best way to remove gum from hair. The display included locks of real human hair sodden with the remains of sugar-free and bubble yum gum. The experiment measured the effectiveness of peanut butter, ice and shampoo as removal agents.

Another experiment tested the best clothing to be wearing in case of a fire by seeing which fabrics were the most resistant to heat. Nylon, wool, cotton and denim were tested among others. Other experiments included testing the best packaging insulator and alternative energy sources.

"These kids are so smart," Lois Shepherd said. "They do things that amaze you."

Shepherd came to see the work that her grandson, Dallin Shepherd ,had done on harnessing the power of wind under water. The sixth-grader designed an experiment that measured the effectiveness of propellers for an under-water energy resource. He measured which shape of propeller would be the most energy efficient.

Students compete in several different categories including chemistry, botany, medical health and social behavior. One such experiment called "Krispy Kreme Konnection" attempted to measure how doughnuts and coffee affect police officer's alertness and job performance.

The fair continued today with the competition of the Senior Division (grades 9 to 12). Several awards were given as Junior Division competition concluded on Tuesday and more are certain to come with the completion of the fair.

This year, over 20 awards are available to regional fair competitors. Weber State University will award two winners with scholarships, one in each division. Other awards include Yale Science and Engineering Association, U.S. Army and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

The mission of the science fair iis to promote o student involvement and interest in science and engineering, to foster university-community cooperation in the developing of scientific potential and communication skills of students, and to salute science teachers for their commitment to students. For further information visit the science fair Web site at community.weber.edu/sciencefair.